For Pacquiao it meant he sustained back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career after losing to Timothy Bradley in June, and the Filipino is now reportedly considering his future.

But former heavyweight world champion Lewis believes the defeat can inspire Pacquiao to regain his world title.

"It depends on how Pacquiao reacts to the loss," Lewis said. "Is he a broken man or can he admit he made a mistake in the ring and build on that?

"A loss can make you look at yourself in a way that victory cannot. It gives you a feeling that inspires you to be better. Gladiators need to experience setbacks because if you can come back from them it shows just how great you are."